# Somavalli

> Somavalli is a substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Estimated moderate bioavailability (20-35%) for alkaloid and glycoside constituents based on structural analogy. Traditional Ghrita (ghee) preparation enhances lipophilic compound absorption. Fresh juice (swarasa) provides maximum bioavailability for hydrophilic constituents.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Somavalli |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Amla | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Madhura | Post-digestive effect |

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation
- **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Swarasa (fresh juice), Capsule, [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (medicated ghee)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g powder per day; 10-20 mL swarasa daily; 50-100 mL kwatha twice daily; 500 mg capsule twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Limited pharmacokinetic data available for this rare herb. Estimated moderate bioavailability (20-35%) for alkaloid and glycoside constituents based on structural analogy. Traditional Ghrita (ghee) preparation enhances lipophilic compound absorption. Fresh juice (swarasa) provides maximum bioavailability for hydrophilic constituents.

**Optimal Timing:** Morning on empty stomach for Medhya (cognitive) and [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) (rejuvenative) effects; with ghee or honey as Anupana

**Standardized Extract:** Whole plant extract (5:1 in 50% ethanol), characterized by HPTLC fingerprint; standardized to total alkaloid content and total glycoside content (specifications to be established based on definitive botanical identification)

**Shelf Life:** 7 days for swarasa; 24 months for churna; 18 months for Ghrita; 30 months for capsules

**Storage:** Swarasa: refrigerate 2-8 deg C. Churna and capsules: below 25 deg C, airtight containers. Ghrita: glass jars at room temperature, protect from light.

**Marker Compounds:** Species-dependent — requires definitive botanical identification, [Alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) (total), [Glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) (cardiac — if Sarcostemma), Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) (total)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Fresh juice extraction (cold pressing)
- Traditional Ghrita preparation (herb paste cooked in ghee with aqueous extract)

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Brahmi](/herb/brahmi/) (Medhya Rasayana — cognitive tonic combination)
- [Shankhpushpi](/herb/shankhpushpi/) (intellect-enhancing synergy)
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) ([adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/)-[immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) formulations)
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) (rejuvenative combinations)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/somavalli/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.